Diego: "Today a dream comes true in my life"
Midfielder is presented in the Noble Hall of Flamengo's social headquarters and does not hide his happiness: "Today was a special day that I will never forget"
By Isabela Abirached - in
The wait is over. After a triumphant arrival at Santos Dumont airport, where he was welcomed by a crowd of Flamengo fans, the new Flamengo midfielder, Diego, was officially presented at a press conference at the Gávea social headquarters, on the afternoon of this Wednesday (20).
Dozens of journalists, eleven members and associates of Mais Querido watched the star wear the Sacred Mantle with number 35 for the first time, a tribute to the ages of his sons, Matteo and Davi, who stole the show at the end of the interview, posing alongside their father for the photographers, duly dressed in uniform.
"Total joy. The emotion was immense. I even expected a great reception, but I was still surprised, very positively. The Nation has already made me feel special and unique things and from now on it will be even better," declared Diego.
Alongside the athlete, the executive director of football, Rodrigo Caetano, the vice-president of the department, Flávio Godinho, and the president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello completed the table.
"I'm very happy to introduce Diego. The negotiation was only possible because he really wanted to come. In the 45th minute of the second half, his will prevailed," said Godinho, followed by Caetano. "The greatest example of his desire to come is here in the front row, full of Diego's family. We're going to have a glorious journey in terms of quality, and we want every professional who arrives to have this spirit of commitment," he said.
Diego joined Flamengo thanks to Mengão's fan club members! Join the Nação Rubro-Negra Program and watch our football grow stronger.
Check the interview in full:
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
I want to thank the nation for everything it has given me in just a few hours. Today was a special day I will never forget. This welcome, this trust. Every day I will do my best to repay this affection. I thank everyone at Flamengo for their effort and professionalism, and my family who have always been by my side. Today a dream has come true in my life, and I will live it intensely.
Airport reception
I was delighted, and at times a little worried (laughs). None of the rumors about pickpocketing happened. The only thing that happened was the warmth, surprising and wonderful. That first impression was the best possible.
maturation
A lot has changed. Today I'm 31 years old, I've played for five countries, major clubs, I'm married, and the father of two children. But the essence remains. I've evolved, I still have a lot to grow, but I've learned a lot over time. Today I feel better prepared. Returning to Brazil at a club of this impact and magnitude is all I need. This partnership has everything it takes to succeed.
Previous contact
We've had contact with Flamengo before. Other times, the club I belonged to was never willing to make the deal happen.
Exit from Türkiye
The military coup had nothing to do with my choice. I spent wonderful years in Turkey and I can only thank the Turkish people. I hope things calm down, but it didn't influence my decision.
Flamengo
From what I've seen of Flamengo, what I've been able to do, conversations with friends who play here, videos, I know we have a well-structured team, a confident coach. The possibility of having a great season is huge, and that's why I came here. With the club's stature, all I can think about is winning. I hope I can contribute and help the team continue on the path it's on, which, for me, is the right one.
Anxiety to enter the field
I'm eager to play. But now I also have to fight my emotions so that my excitement doesn't overwhelm my reason. I haven't played in two months. I took care of myself, I'm physically fine, but the rhythm of the game and the ball training are irreplaceable. I see this challenge as a fresh start and see this project as a 16-year-old, which is how old I was when I reached the professional level.
Physical condition
Physically, I feel great, but what's crucial for a player is match fitness. Training with the ball and other players is what I need. No one can say how soon I'll be ready for my debut. I can't wait to put on the jersey, but I have to be 100% prepared. I have to go to Turkey to make my transfer and then return to Rio de Janeiro permanently. I'll debut when I feel good, regardless of the opponent.
Did you consult friends at the club?
I consulted. Information in football moves quickly, whether you follow through or not. And all the information I received about Flamengo was positive. Excellent organization, clear objectives. I spoke with friends I have on the team, and they told me the club is headed in the right direction. My technical level is as high as ever. I feel extremely secure and confident about that. Now it's time to get to know my teammates, the coach, and the tactical scheme.
Selection
The Brazilian national team is always a goal, especially when you've already played for it and won titles. But this isn't the time to think about that. Now is the time to think about Flamengo. The national team is a consequence of the excellent football played here at the club.
Reference?
It's been 12 years in Europe, and to stay there, play for big clubs, and win significant titles, you have to do something right. I feel ready for this challenge. I'm ready to make Flamengo win. I don't aim to become this great reference; that's something you build over time. And for that, I need victories and achievements. It ends up being a consequence. I'm prepared to take on this responsibility. Who doesn't want to be applauded by the nation? But winning titles and recognition come first.
Eye
Reaching the top doesn't depend solely on the player. It depends on the team, the tactical scheme, a perfect match. I performed well at Fenerbahçe, and I could have reached a higher level individually, but many factors influence that. At Flamengo, everything is set to succeed, and if it depends on me, it will.
At Fla, the good is very good and the bad is very bad
It's not the first time I've felt this pressure, but it's clear that Flamengo is a special club, and this nation is special. I'm fully prepared, and I couldn't have a better time in my life for this to happen.
Chat with friend Robinho
The conversation was good. Robinho was extremely funny as always (laughs). He's a great friend of mine in football. It won't be the first time we've faced each other (Flamengo vs. Santos in the Brasileirão). But it's always a special feeling.
Dozens of journalists, eleven members and associates of Mais Querido watched the star wear the Sacred Mantle with number 35 for the first time, a tribute to the ages of his sons, Matteo and Davi, who stole the show at the end of the interview, posing alongside their father for the photographers, duly dressed in uniform.
"Total joy. The emotion was immense. I even expected a great reception, but I was still surprised, very positively. The Nation has already made me feel special and unique things and from now on it will be even better," declared Diego.
Alongside the athlete, the executive director of football, Rodrigo Caetano, the vice-president of the department, Flávio Godinho, and the president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello completed the table.
"I'm very happy to introduce Diego. The negotiation was only possible because he really wanted to come. In the 45th minute of the second half, his will prevailed," said Godinho, followed by Caetano. "The greatest example of his desire to come is here in the front row, full of Diego's family. We're going to have a glorious journey in terms of quality, and we want every professional who arrives to have this spirit of commitment," he said.
Diego joined Flamengo thanks to Mengão's fan club members! Join the Nação Rubro-Negra Program and watch our football grow stronger.
Check the interview in full:
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
I want to thank the nation for everything it has given me in just a few hours. Today was a special day I will never forget. This welcome, this trust. Every day I will do my best to repay this affection. I thank everyone at Flamengo for their effort and professionalism, and my family who have always been by my side. Today a dream has come true in my life, and I will live it intensely.
Airport reception
I was delighted, and at times a little worried (laughs). None of the rumors about pickpocketing happened. The only thing that happened was the warmth, surprising and wonderful. That first impression was the best possible.
maturation
A lot has changed. Today I'm 31 years old, I've played for five countries, major clubs, I'm married, and the father of two children. But the essence remains. I've evolved, I still have a lot to grow, but I've learned a lot over time. Today I feel better prepared. Returning to Brazil at a club of this impact and magnitude is all I need. This partnership has everything it takes to succeed.
Previous contact
We've had contact with Flamengo before. Other times, the club I belonged to was never willing to make the deal happen.
Exit from Türkiye
The military coup had nothing to do with my choice. I spent wonderful years in Turkey and I can only thank the Turkish people. I hope things calm down, but it didn't influence my decision.
Flamengo
From what I've seen of Flamengo, what I've been able to do, conversations with friends who play here, videos, I know we have a well-structured team, a confident coach. The possibility of having a great season is huge, and that's why I came here. With the club's stature, all I can think about is winning. I hope I can contribute and help the team continue on the path it's on, which, for me, is the right one.
Anxiety to enter the field
I'm eager to play. But now I also have to fight my emotions so that my excitement doesn't overwhelm my reason. I haven't played in two months. I took care of myself, I'm physically fine, but the rhythm of the game and the ball training are irreplaceable. I see this challenge as a fresh start and see this project as a 16-year-old, which is how old I was when I reached the professional level.
Physical condition
Physically, I feel great, but what's crucial for a player is match fitness. Training with the ball and other players is what I need. No one can say how soon I'll be ready for my debut. I can't wait to put on the jersey, but I have to be 100% prepared. I have to go to Turkey to make my transfer and then return to Rio de Janeiro permanently. I'll debut when I feel good, regardless of the opponent.
Did you consult friends at the club?
I consulted. Information in football moves quickly, whether you follow through or not. And all the information I received about Flamengo was positive. Excellent organization, clear objectives. I spoke with friends I have on the team, and they told me the club is headed in the right direction. My technical level is as high as ever. I feel extremely secure and confident about that. Now it's time to get to know my teammates, the coach, and the tactical scheme.
Selection
The Brazilian national team is always a goal, especially when you've already played for it and won titles. But this isn't the time to think about that. Now is the time to think about Flamengo. The national team is a consequence of the excellent football played here at the club.
Reference?
It's been 12 years in Europe, and to stay there, play for big clubs, and win significant titles, you have to do something right. I feel ready for this challenge. I'm ready to make Flamengo win. I don't aim to become this great reference; that's something you build over time. And for that, I need victories and achievements. It ends up being a consequence. I'm prepared to take on this responsibility. Who doesn't want to be applauded by the nation? But winning titles and recognition come first.
Eye
Reaching the top doesn't depend solely on the player. It depends on the team, the tactical scheme, a perfect match. I performed well at Fenerbahçe, and I could have reached a higher level individually, but many factors influence that. At Flamengo, everything is set to succeed, and if it depends on me, it will.
At Fla, the good is very good and the bad is very bad
It's not the first time I've felt this pressure, but it's clear that Flamengo is a special club, and this nation is special. I'm fully prepared, and I couldn't have a better time in my life for this to happen.
Chat with friend Robinho
The conversation was good. Robinho was extremely funny as always (laughs). He's a great friend of mine in football. It won't be the first time we've faced each other (Flamengo vs. Santos in the Brasileirão). But it's always a special feeling.